Cardinal Soccer Rolls Past Ravenna

The Nest, Inside Orchard View Athletics
By: Justin Troyer
Presented By: West Michigan Ironmen

Muskegon, MI -- The Orchard View Cardinal Soccer team found themselves on the right side of the scoreboard Monday night, picking up a convincing 4-1 victory over Ravenna.

The Cardinals wasted little time finding their rhythm, taking a 3-0 lead into halftime and continuing to build on the offensive improvements they have been working toward.

Senior Tristin Beerman threaded a great ball through the Ravenna defense, finding fellow senior Leon Blackston, who finished the opportunity to give Orchard View an early 1-0 lead. The goal was especially meaningful for Blackston, marking the first goal of his high school career.

The Cardinals continued to pressure Ravenna, with senior Nito Ortega finding the back of the net off a defensive deflection. Ortega's goal pushed the Orchard View advantage to 2-0.

Before the half, Beerman added a goal of his own, heading home a corner kick from junior Aiden Leek to give the Cardinals a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the break.

Orchard View added to its advantage midway through the second half when junior Bryson Stingle calmly finished a penalty kick, making it a 4-0 game.

Ravenna would eventually get on the scoreboard with a penalty kick of its own, but the Cardinals held firm the rest of the way to secure the 4-1 victory.

While the Cardinals gave up the penalty, the bigger takeaway for Head Coach Chris Belasco was the continued progress being made on the offensive side of the ball.

“Offensively, the things we have been working on most have started to click. Limit our touches, keep moving the ball, less dribbling and confidence to shoot.”

That confidence was evident throughout the night as Orchard View moved the ball effectively, created opportunities and finished when those opportunities presented themselves.

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